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Fiction Writer looking for mentor
http://fugitiverecovery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=9121		 Page 1 of 6
Author:  AllynDaniels [ Sun 02 Nov 2008 17:11 ]
Post subject:  Fiction Writer looking for mentor
Hi,

I'm writing a book where the main character is a FRA, bondsman and occasionally takes on PI/High End Security work.

I'm not in the industry and don't know anyone who is. Is there anyone that would be willing to help with the odd question here and there?

My novel is based in Chicago, so knowing the rules there would be helpful.

Thanks,

Allyn Daniels
Author:  speezack [ Sun 02 Nov 2008 18:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Fiction Writer looking for mentor
Well, you certainly came to the right place.... you will no doubt have your hands full of names and tales quite quickly. I'll say this..... it's good that you identified yourself as a "fictional" writer... cause you'll get plenty from this business... I will say that this particular website is frequented by many professionals but also, sometimes unfortunately by the proverbial "cowboy"... so be extremely careful and do your homework... double check any stories and persons that start communicating with you.

I'm just a small town bondsman and I only get in 1 or 2 shootouts a month.... but there are plenty of big time people on here that can fill your book with amazing stories....... and some of them are probably true??

I guarantee they will be posting here within the hour........................

Check back often, I am sure you will have plenty of people to talk to........................ Good luck.
Author:  Mdbtyhtr [ Sun 02 Nov 2008 19:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: Fiction Writer looking for mentor
I don't believe that you need a mentor but rather a technical adviser. For the Chicago area, i would recommend that you make contact with Scott Olson from the NIBE. For great stories and 20+ years of recovery and bonding, Joe Stiles of Bail Fast Bonding (he is something of a writer and Renaissance man himself) and for your Close Personal Protection and PI specialist, Scott Harrell, from Compass Point Investigations in Florida, NC, TX and LA. You could enjoy many hours of material from all of these gentlemen, and have faith that they are the most storied and qualified in this business. We also have very interesting and successful women on this site as well and may well provide you with a competitive heroine to your male subject.

Best of luck in your endeavors,

Scott
Author:  SpanielPI [ Sun 02 Nov 2008 19:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Fiction Writer looking for mentor
You would do better to base your story in another major city such as Atlanta, Ga., Birmingham, Al., Philly, Pa. Baltimore, Md. etc. Commercial Bail Bonding doesn't exist in the state of Illinois..so the very premise of the basis of your story would be completely impossible.

Additionally, most of the domestic high end EP (Executive Protection) details (body guard contracts) flow from the NY/NJ/Philly,Pa. areas to La; and from La to Atl, Ga/Birmingham, Al. Alot of rappers, musicians, entertainment personnel are pivotally located in that triangle...Not to mention Nashville and Memphis, Tn. as well.

1 other fact that most civilians are unaware of regarding EP training is the use of the Tom Clancy film "Clear and Present Danger" for training purposes when discussing/training the movement of the principal. In 1 particular scene, a convoy of American agents are ambushed in a back street by Columbian drug dealers with RPG's and AK47's. A review of that section of the film may provide some kind of idea as to the planning and logistics involved in moving a principal from various points.

Another film to review as research material is the Kevin Costner film "The Bodyguard". The scenes depicting him completely revamping the estate, controlling the movement of the principal, i.e. changing her schedule, keeping it random, not doing anything in a habitual manner, constantly checking the vehicle for car bombs, keeping a current personnel access roster as to who is and isn't supposed to be near the principal, etc....that movie shows alot from a training purpose if you know what to watch for.

I hope this helps you some. Good luck with the book. Please let us know when it is published...like to read it.
Author:  AllynDaniels [ Mon 03 Nov 2008 04:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Fiction Writer looking for mentor
Quote:
You would do better to base your story in another major city such as Atlanta, Ga., Birmingham, Al., Philly, Pa. Baltimore, Md. etc. Commercial Bail Bonding doesn't exist in the state of Illinois..so the very premise of the basis of your story would be completely impossible.


OMGosh. Very important to know this, thank you!

My guy is Irish, which is a huge plot point, so I will need to find a place where that culture would concentrate - why I chose Chicago. Could easily be NY or Philly or any other area with a concentration of Irish, so I'm not stuck with it.

Thank you so much!

And thanks to everyone for recomendations/stories/etc...

I'm the type of writer whose character's "speak to", so it's more difficult to go into something when a character shows up and tells ME who they are....rather than the reverse.

This is my first book and I've very excited about it, I'm hoping to make my guy well-rounded and believable.

Thanks again!
Author:  AllynDaniels [ Mon 03 Nov 2008 05:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Fiction Writer looking for mentor
Okay, here's a question.

Is it believable that a FRA only goes after his own bail jumpers, if he is also a bondsman? Mostly, I see this as looking out after his own interests/money. Of course, I know he has to have someone at home working the shop.

As a bondsman, how many people on average skip bail? Say per every 10 cases?

My guy is up against a corrupt business man that has quite a few minions. He also has reason to want my guy dead.


Thanks again!
Author:  Mdbtyhtr [ Mon 03 Nov 2008 06:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: Fiction Writer looking for mentor
Scott Olson owns a bail bond and recovery business in Indiana, and why I commended him to you. There are rules and then there is real life. I did not refer them to you to base your character off of, but to assist you in lending credibility to your project. Your premise is correct, bondsman that have the ability can and do chase their own skips. Failure to appear rate depends on the type of business you run, like a poker game, are you fast and loose or do you play very tight. Less skips with the latter scenario.

Scott
Author:  AllynDaniels [ Mon 03 Nov 2008 06:23 ]
Post subject:  Re: Fiction Writer looking for mentor
Quote:
Scott Olson owns a bail bond and recovery business in Indiana, and why I commended him to you. There are rules and then there is real life. I did not refer them to you to base your character off of, but to assist you in lending credibility to your project. Your premise is correct, bondsman that have the ability can and do chase their own skips. Failure to appear rate depends on the type of business you run, like a poker game, are you fast and loose or do you play very tight. Less skips with the latter scenario.


Thanks Scott. (seems like there are a wealth of Scott's in the industry. :) )
I haven't based my character on any one person, except my own imaginings - but I do want to get it 'right', so that there is credibility, as you say. I've been reading Scott Harrell's Website this morning - there is a wealth of info there. There is a huge element of fiction in my story, and in no way would I use anyone's real life stories in my book. I would rather make things up in my head and have someone advise me of the elements I have right and wrong. Of course, I am doing research on my own (I expect to do this and not have anyone here "feed me"), but if I could ask some questions here and also have reputable sources to go to, I'm hoping not to take up any one person's time too much.


thanks again,
Author:  DSI [ Mon 03 Nov 2008 06:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Fiction Writer looking for mentor
"I'm just a small town bondsman and I only get in 1 or 2 shootouts a month.... but there are plenty of big time people on here that can fill your book with amazing stories....... and some of them are probably true??"

Bill, I did not know that Mayberry was such a high crime area. :shock: Sheriff Taylor and Deputy Fife must have their hands full, I assume that yall let the deputy have bullets now. :lol: :lol: :lol:
Image
Author:  SnoWolf [ Mon 03 Nov 2008 06:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Fiction Writer looking for mentor
Scott M. recommended several Scott's.... ummm, I mean people but he left one very important and experienced person out.... himself (You thought I was going to say me....what, because I am a Scott?). Any and all of the people listed would be a great choice but, being the moidest man that he is, he left himself out as one of the top guys in our industry.

Although he is a very busy (productive) man, I would also suggest an attempt to contact Rex Venator.
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